Absenteesim is extremely high in Washington, DC public and charter schools. Chronic absenteeism increases achievement gaps, because students from disadvantaged backgrounds with high absenteeism are more likely to fall behind academically. Absenteeism among young children drastically reduces the likelihood of achieving reading and math proficiency by third grade. If DC acts to improve early attendance at both DC Public Schools and public charter schools, the city could see long-term educational and economic benefits in the form of increased graduation rates and lifetime earnings potential. Research shows that: (1) One in ten students missed at least 20 unexcused days of school; (2) One in six 3-5 year olds had at least 10 unexcused absences; and (3) 30 percent of high school students had more than 20 unexcused absences. The relationship between proficiency and truancy can work in both directions: while chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind their peers, academically struggling students may become discouraged and start skipping school.